Cirrus & RV nose gears identical?

[cleve_thompson]

I saw this photo of a Cirrus in the latest AOPA mag and was shocked to see how much its nose gear without fairings etc looked like our RV 9A's. I don't remember seeing a Cirrus on its back maybe because of its size, but it would certainly just as likely to fold the gear as is a RV A model.
Click on the link below to see this amazing resemblance.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cleve3/L...17784574197250

[cjensen]

I noticed that, too, last night while reading that issue. I think the reason you don't see Cirri on their backs, is because most, if not all, don't land 'em on grass...Dunno.

[Harvey L. Sorensen]

Out our way we had a Cirrus land on a grass strip. Grass was wet and Cirrus couldn't stop. It ended up in the trees never to fly again

[gmcjetpilot]

More RV's flying off of more grass. However looking at the pic the Cirrus tire does look larger and clearly the the trailing fork is at a greater angle, meaning the lower leading edge of the fork is higher above the ground. The Cirrus list a 5.00-5 nose tire it looks bigger in the pic. The mains on the Cirrus is 6.00-6. If you think about it, if the mains dig in it can start the nose to be driven down.

The RV's use a LAMB tire which is even smaller than a true 5.00x5 (width-rim dia). The LAMB's diameter is smaller by several inches (installed inflated).

The Cirrus fork is in line with what Van did with the new mod fork, but still the angle in much flatter. The problem with the Cirrus angle is stability or possible gear shimmy (aka old grocery cart wheel wobble). Also the gear leg is almost constant cross section, top to bottom. Is it stronger? Who knows but it is bigger and more draggy

[Tandem46]

Same sort of nose gear on Diamond DA20.

[flyeyes]

Originally Posted by cleve_thompson

I saw this photo of a Cirrus in the latest AOPA mag and was shocked to see how much its nose gear without fairings etc looked like our RV 9A's. I don't remember seeing a Cirrus on its back maybe because of its size, but it would certainly just as likely to fold the gear as is a RV A model.
Click on the link below to see this amazing resemblance.

The Cirrus gear is similar looking, but definitely not identical. It uses rubber biscuits (I think like the RV10) and the fork angles down more.

It does fine on grass, although fewer Cirrus drivers land on grass in my experience than RV guys..

I'm not aware of any grass issues or flips, but the nosewheel is somewhat prone to shimmy, with occasional loss of the nose wheel pant.

[the_other_dougreeves]

Originally Posted by cleve_thompson

I saw this photo of a Cirrus in the latest AOPA mag http://picasaweb.google.com/cleve3/L...17784574197250

Yep - I had the same thought reading that issue while on the treadmill tonight (too many calories in that Blue Bell shake at Brenham this weekend ... it was worth it ). I would guess that the larger tire helps.

[Ron Lee]

The parachute keeps them upright!

[designerX]

tobinbasford

Same sort of nose gear on Diamond DA20.

The DA20 appears to be quite different... much beefier diameter leg and a greater rake, it has the rubber donuts for suspension and I believe only the lower portion (just the trailing fork) rotates instead of the entire leg.

Interestingly enough the nosegear is also slightly off center.

Stan

[cjensen]

Yeah, the DA20 is almost completely different, other than the fact that it is free castoring. We have two 20's and a 40 where I work, and I'll get some up close pics if interested. It's a REALLY good design IMHO.